GES Promotion Is Without Prosperity: Why a New Rank Isn’t Saving the Ghanaian Teacher

Teachers are celebrating promotions, but let us ask an uncomfortable question: has promotion in GES truly changed the lives of teachers?

Since the release of the 2025 Teachers Promotion Examination results, there has been massive joy across the teaching community. Many victorious teachers have publicly shared their results with excitement, proudly announcing their new ranks.

Honestly, they deserve to celebrate.

For the first time in a long while, I have seen many teachers promoted to the ranks of Deputy Director and Assistant Director I. These were ranks that many teachers once saw as almost impossible to attain. In the past, such ranks looked heavily guarded and difficult to access, but now it seems more opportunities are being opened. That is a positive sign of progress, and GES deserves credit for that.

But here is the uncomfortable reality.

I saw someone promoted to the rank of Deputy Director, and I paused for a moment to think: just imagine this rank in another profession.

A Deputy Director in many institutions is not just a title. It often comes with better allowances, a stronger salary, a clear leadership role, a better office environment, and improved working conditions.

But in GES?

The same “Deputy Director” may still be teaching Primary 4 in a dilapidated classroom with broken furniture, inadequate teaching materials, and little motivation. The title changes, but for many teachers, daily reality barely changes.

And that is the painful truth we hardly talk about.

It is honestly difficult to explain to people outside the profession that someone can move to such a senior rank and still see only a very small salary increase.

Let us be honest with ourselves: none of these ranks come with a salary increase that truly reflects the effort, stress, years of service, or responsibilities attached to the position. Some of these promotions do not even result in a GH₵1,000 increase in salary or meaningful allowances.

How do you motivate professionals with titles but without substantial financial improvement?

This conversation is not about disrespecting promotions. Promotions matter. Recognition matters. Career growth matters.

But recognition without meaningful improvement in living conditions becomes symbolic motivation.

Teachers are not asking for luxury. They are asking for dignity.

Another issue that deserves serious attention is transparency.

The Ghana Education Service has still not publicly provided detailed statistics on the pass and fail rates of the promotion examination. Why should such important information remain hidden?

Teachers invest time, money, energy, and emotions into these exams. They deserve transparency. Every institution owes accountability to the people it serves.

How many teachers passed?
How many failed?
Which regions performed better?
What lessons can be learned?

GES must understand that transparency builds trust.

To every teacher who passed the promotion examination, congratulations on your achievement and your new rank. Your hard work deserves recognition.

But let me also say this respectfully: do not let ranks alone deceive you into abandoning bigger dreams if you still have other goals to pursue.

A title is beautiful, but purpose matters too.

And perhaps the biggest question we must ask ourselves is this:

Are we promoting teachers, or are we simply renaming their struggles?

Please share this with every teacher you know. They deserve to be part of this conversation.

~ Decisions Decide Destiny

• Special greetings from the Snow City🇨🇦

Gold is always hidden in dust.
I’m Marsego, Gold In Dust

Bismark Dotse Dzisenu
Educator | Certified Teacher in Canada
Founder | Guard-M Foundation
🌐 https://guard-mfoundation.org/